Irish smirked behind him but then stopped tickling him.
It was a leisurely day. They enjoyed the peaceful moment with each other, and finally, it was dinner time. They decided to have dinner in a restaurant near Lotus Park. Joseph carried Irish back after finishing their dinner. However, as soon as they got back home, they saw a car park in front of the gate. Joseph stopped while Irish also jumped down from the bicycle.
Irish was anxious since she was aware that the car looked familiar.
Joseph pushed his bicycle forward, but he also wore a dignified expression. The door was opened slowly, and Leo got out in the next second.
The light of the sunset shone on his face and made his eyes look scarlet.
Confused, Leo looked up and down at Joseph carefully when he found Joseph was riding a bicycle.
"Joseph, are you a poor wretch now? Where is your car?"
"Leo, shut up!" roared Irish, who was annoyed by Leo's harsh words.
Irish was still mad at Leo.
Leo looked upset as he noticed the anger in Irish's eyes.
Joseph stepped forth and replied calmly, "If you come here to see whether I am fine, then you can go back now. You also see that I am fine." After finishing his sentence, Joseph looked back at Irish and said softly, "Irish, let's get inside."
Irish said nothing but followed him.
"Joseph, we need to talk," suddenly, Leo's voice rang behind him.
Joseph stopped, turned back, and stared at Leo with cold eyes, "There is no need to talk."
"You can't go on like this forever," continued Leo.
Joseph kept glaring at him with a sneer silently.
Irish took a glance at Leo and then turned to Joseph, patted his shoulder, and said, "Joseph, let's get in."
However, Joseph stood there still. Irish couldn't figure out what he was thinking.
After a long while, Joseph said to Irish in a soft voice, "Irish, you get inside first, and I will be coming back soon."
"Joseph..." Irish was astonished.
Joseph handed the bicycle to her and kissed her forehead gently. "Don't worry. I will be back soon."
Irish had no other choice but nodded her head.
After Irish left, Joseph went to a quiet Wine Club with Leo.
There was a faint aroma floating in the air, but Joseph just asked for a glass of lemon water.
"Joseph, there is no need to save money for me," said Leo ironically.
"I think it is better to draw a demarcation line. You don't have to pay for me," replied Joseph calmly.
A soft melody sounded in the hall while many people were enjoying the peaceful moment.
Joseph also came here frequently, but he never paid attention to the environment here. But today, he came here with a different mental state.
Obviously, Leo was not satisfied with what he said. He shrugged his shoulders and took a sip of the wine.
Seeing this, Joseph snorted and said, "It seems that I need to take a taxi back."
"Joseph, I never care about the rules," said Leo abruptly.
"I'm well aware of that. Otherwise, you wouldn't have stolen my design concept," Joseph retorted sarcastically. He lit a cigarette and took a slow puff, narrowing his eyes as he glanced at Leo.
Surprisingly, Leo remained calm and instead smiled, admitting, "You're correct. I did indeed steal your design concept."
It was the first time Leo had openly admitted to it.
However, Joseph understood Leo's character well, and he knew that once Leo had made up his mind to do something, he would eventually admit it directly.
"Don't you think you act like a child?" asked Joseph in a casual tone.
"But how could it be possible for you to leave Runestone Group if I didn't do this?" Leo asked in reply.
Joseph slowly exhaled the smoke and then responded, "I won't go to work in Shelton Group even if I leave Runestone Group someday."
Only Leo can make ridiculous behavior for a ridiculous reason.
Upon hearing Joseph's words, Leo slammed his glass heavily on the table, his expression turning into a frown. "Joseph, I just can't comprehend it. How could you not join my company after all the years you spent helping the Lakes? Let's not forget that our families have been friends for generations! You're so talented, yet you're assisting our rivals in their fight, even though Mr. Lake supported you and Jordan. He owes you that! And do you know why Jordan used to despise you so much? It was because you worked for Runestone, something he couldn't understand! I just can't understand you either!"
Joseph answered bluntly, "It's not difficult to understand. I can't let it go. There's a part of the Lakes within the Runestone Group."
Leo spoke indignantly, "So what? You've left now." He continued, "Have any of the shareholders in Runestone truly supported you from the start to the end? They're all just focused on their own interests. What do they really think of you? But if you join my company, I can assure you that you won't have such a rough time! I want to give you a chance to join the board; I'll open the door for you anytime! The position of president is reserved for you! Joseph, my desire is quite simple—I just want to fight alongside you. Is that so difficult?"
In truth, Leo had always harbored the desire to bring Joseph into his company, stemming from their collaboration in college to earn their first significant profit. It was a modest venture, not a grand enterprise, but it allowed Leo to experience the joy of working together as brothers.
From that day on, Leo felt that Joseph would be his best partner in business.
However, Joseph was still staring at the Runestone Group and didn't want to leave. Though he forced him to leave and pleaded, he always refused.
He couldn't grasp the specific qualities of the Runestone Group that made it superior to his own company. Why did Joseph perceive the bond between brothers as being so fragile?
Joseph appeared remarkably composed in contrast to Leo's enthusiasm, almost to the point of being cruel.
He uttered softly, "Brothers are better off just talking, not sharing the same business venture."
The glass shattered loudly.
Leo forcefully swept the wine glass onto the floor, tightened his fist, rose from his seat, and fixed his gaze on Joseph. "Joseph, do you still consider me your brother? What more do you expect from me? I've never believed that brothers can't work together! Are you underestimating me?"
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